15 Air Fryer Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Love

Let’s be real—sometimes you just want dinner to cook itself. Enter the air fryer: the kitchen MVP you didn’t know you needed until you tried it once and never looked back. Now, pair that with Mediterranean recipes, and suddenly you’re eating like you’re on vacation in Santorini without leaving your kitchen.

Why does this combo work so well? The Mediterranean diet is full of fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, lean proteins, and grains. The air fryer basically takes those ingredients, gives them a tan, and sends them out tasting like they’ve been kissed by the sun. Less oil, more crunch, and way less cleanup—what’s not to love?

In this guide, I’m sharing 15 Mediterranean-inspired air fryer recipes that are quick, healthy-ish (because we all need balance), and actually fun to make. You’ll find everything from crispy falafel to lemony chicken and roasted veggies.

1. Air Fryer Falafel

If there’s one recipe that screams “Mediterranean street food,” it’s falafel. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and usually drowning in oil—unless you throw it in the air fryer. Suddenly, you’ve got falafel that’s light, golden, and ridiculously snackable.

Why it works: Chickpeas and herbs crisp up perfectly without being greasy, and you can still dunk them in tahini sauce like the traditional version.

Pro tip: Use canned chickpeas if you’re short on time, but IMO soaking dried chickpeas overnight gives falafel a better texture.

2. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken souvlaki usually needs a grill, but who has time to scrub grill grates on a Tuesday night? The air fryer nails this one. Marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, the chicken chunks cook evenly and stay juicy.

Serving idea: Pile the chicken on warm pita, add a dollop of tzatziki, maybe a sprinkle of feta, and boom—Greek street food at home.

Kitchen hack: I like to use these reusable silicone skewers because they actually fit inside the air fryer basket, unlike wooden ones that stick out and catch fire (ask me how I know).

3. Air Fryer Mediterranean Veggie Medley

Roasted veggies are a Mediterranean staple, and the air fryer makes them ten times faster. Think zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion tossed with olive oil, oregano, and a pinch of sea salt.

Why you’ll love it: They come out caramelized at the edges, tender inside, and with zero soggy sadness. Perfect as a side dish or even piled on couscous for a quick bowl.

Optional flex: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking. It’s not 100% traditional, but it feels fancy.

4. Air Fryer Spanakopita Bites

Spanakopita—aka spinach pie—is usually a project. But if you want the flavors without rolling filo dough for hours, spanakopita bites are your shortcut. Just fill little pastry squares with a feta-spinach mixture, pop them in the air fryer, and they turn into crispy golden pockets of happiness.

Serving tip: They’re great for entertaining because nobody expects you to pull out homemade Greek pastries on a weeknight.

Shortcut alert: I always keep frozen filo sheets in the freezer for this. Just thaw, cut, and fold—air fryer does the rest.

5. Air Fryer Lemon-Herb Salmon

This one is almost too easy: salmon fillets brushed with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. In under 10 minutes, you’ve got perfectly flaky fish with crispy edges.

Why it’s genius: Air frying keeps salmon from drying out (and doesn’t stink up your kitchen like pan-frying sometimes does). Pair it with quinoa or a light Greek salad, and dinner feels like a spa retreat.

Personal note: I used to think salmon was intimidating, but the air fryer makes it foolproof. Even if you forget it for an extra two minutes, it’s still edible—which is more than I can say for oven-baked salmon.

6. Air Fryer Mediterranean Salmon

Salmon is a Mediterranean superstar—packed with omega-3s, protein, and flavor. Cooking it in the air fryer gives you that perfectly crisp skin with tender, flaky fish inside. All you need is a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a sprinkle of oregano or dill. In just 12 minutes, you’ll have salmon that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

7. Air Fryer Greek Stuffed Peppers

Forget boring stuffed peppers—these are bursting with Mediterranean vibes. Fill bell peppers with a mix of quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, olives, and herbs. The air fryer roasts the peppers until tender while lightly browning the filling. They’re colorful, hearty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

8. Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers with Lemon & Garlic

If you’re craving a quick, light meal, these shrimp skewers are unbeatable. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and paprika, then thread them onto skewers. The air fryer cooks them in under 10 minutes, giving you juicy shrimp with a slightly smoky, charred edge. Serve with a side of tzatziki for dipping.

9. Air Fryer Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza

This is the ultimate “lazy but delicious” dinner idea. Use naan or pita bread as your base, brush with olive oil, and top with hummus, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta. Air fry until the crust is golden and crispy. It’s like a pizza, but lighter, fresher, and so easy.

10. Air Fryer Falafel Patties

Falafel is usually deep-fried, but the air fryer makes them so much lighter while still giving you that crunchy outside and fluffy inside. Blend chickpeas, parsley, garlic, and spices into a dough, shape into patties or balls, and air fry until golden brown. Pair with a warm pita and tahini sauce for a classic street-food-style meal.

11. Air Fryer Ratatouille Vegetables

Who says ratatouille needs to be slow-cooked? Toss zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, and tomatoes with olive oil and herbs, then air fry until caramelized and tender. It’s a side dish that tastes like it was cooked in the French countryside, but in half the time.

12. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas are the ultimate snack or salad topper. Season them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, then air fry until crunchy. They’ll keep in an airtight container for a few days, but let’s be real—you’ll probably eat them all right away.

13. Air Fryer Spanakopita Triangles

These flaky little pockets are a true Mediterranean classic—spinach, feta, and herbs wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. The air fryer does an amazing job of crisping the layers without drowning them in oil. Serve them as a party appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch with a side of Greek salad.

14. Air Fryer Mediterranean Eggplant Fries

Think French fries, but with a Mediterranean twist. Slice eggplant into sticks, coat them in olive oil, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and herbs, then air fry until crispy. Dip them in marinara or garlic yogurt sauce, and you’ve got a healthy snack or side dish that feels indulgent but is totally guilt-free.

15. Air Fryer Halloumi with Honey & Thyme

Halloumi cheese is made for air frying—it gets golden and crispy on the outside while staying chewy inside. Drizzle it with a touch of honey, sprinkle with thyme, and serve warm. It’s salty, sweet, and savory all at once—the perfect Mediterranean-inspired snack or starter.

Wrapping It Up: Mediterranean Flavor Made Easy

The beauty of the Mediterranean diet is how simple, wholesome, and flavorful the recipes are—and the air fryer makes it even easier to bring these dishes to life. Whether you’re roasting salmon, crisping falafel, or indulging in cheesy halloumi, these recipes prove you don’t need a ton of time or oil to enjoy vibrant, healthy meals.

So the next time you’re craving something fresh but quick, try one of these air fryer Mediterranean recipes. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you’ll feel like you’re dining along the coast of Greece, Italy, or Spain—without leaving your kitchen.